Riverton's Christmas festival scheduled for Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2

Barkhamsted >> Christmas in Riverton, sponsored by the Riverton Merchants' Association, is back for its ninth annual celebration on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 2.

The holiday festivities will begin on Friday Nov. 30 with the annual lighting of the town Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m., accompanied by Christmas music performed by the Northwestern Regional School 7 high school and middle school choir.

While residents can participate in a candlelight walk through town for holiday shopping from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Old Factory on the River and Hitchcock Chair Company and enjoy the holiday festivities, others can be a part of the highlight of the night: the very popular Wine Tasting Tour.

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The tour will begin at the Old Lambert house, where glasses will be available for $25 a person. With glasses in hand, patrons can then stroll through the candlelit village to various shops where they will be offered two or three wine samples.

A portion of the proceeds from this part of the event will support the Barkhamsted Historical Society.

"The wine tour was added nine years ago and the people love it," said organizer Leslie DiMartino. "It is unique and we usually sell over 200 glasses."

Continuing the celebration are fun, holiday-filled activities for children and families in the day on Dec. 1. The Torrington Area Model Railroaders will have a display of railroads and trains, and the Riverton Grange Hall will have craft activities both for children.

Puppet shows, horse-drawn carriage rides and visits from Santa Claus will also encompass the weekend of holiday-themed events.

"The event brings people to Riverton who will hopefully come back and visit, shop and or eat," said DiMartino.

A new addition to the old-fashioned celebration is a Festival of Trees, which will benefit the Community Food Bank and Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. Participants can cast their vote for the best tree by leaving a non-perishable food item or monetary donation and even bid in a silent auction to take away a favorite tree.

"Riverton is one of the historical districts in town and this event showcases the shops and restaurants in the village, as well as the beauty of the river and the state forests," said First Selectman Don Stein. "The merchants use the proceeds to promote their businesses and hopefully this will also help to help attract new businesses to the community."

The beloved Christmas in Riverton event began over 20 years ago as a way for merchants to celebrate Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," performed at the Riverton Congregational Church.

Performances begin Friday night at 8 p.m. with additional shows held throughout the weekend. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and can be purchased at the Riverton General Store.

Part of the proceeds from the Wine Tasting Tour and ticket sales for the play will be donated to the Tiny Tim Fund, a charity that helps local families in need.